First Nations student research conference - CQUniversity

11 March 2024

Guwal Jilbay conference artwork

By Isis Symes

CQUniversity will host an Australian-first conference for First Nations research higher degree students on Darumbal lands (Rockhampton) this July.

Titled Guwal Jilbay, meaning 'yarning research', the inaugural three-day event invites First Nations research students (and their supervisors) from the Northern Australia Universities Alliance and Regional Universities Network to attend.

CQUniversity Deputy Vice-President of Indigenous Engagement Professor Adrian Miller said he was proud to present the conference that had been many months in the making.

"I'm thrilled to officially announce this conference that will be the first of its kind for this country," Professor Miller said.

"The conference will aim to address the isolation that regional and rural First Nations research students and their supervisors experience, by promoting their research successes and providing an opportunity to connect, learn and network with leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers," he said.

"We know that many Indigenous researchers from rural and remote areas face unique challenges and are often called upon by their home communities to address seemingly impossible issues. Guwal Jilbay Yarning Research is here to show you you're not alone on the journey. By connecting with others, students can benefit from the strengths and wisdom of Indigenous ways of knowing, doing and being."

"We hope that participants will be inspired and walk away with new skills, stronger goals, larger networks and collaboration opportunities, plus some professional development and a fresh passion for their research project."

Professor Miller said he was blown away by the support that the conference had received from businesses including gold sponsors CSIRO, silver sponsors the Manna Institute, bronze sponsors UniSuper and donors the Morris Family Foundation.

"CQUniversity is well-placed and equipped to highlight the unique voice and impact of regional and rural research communities. With the creation and ongoing success of the Jilbay First Nations RHD Academy, we are best-placed to lead the charge in increasing retention and completions of First Nations RHD students and inspire other universities to support similar programs to assist students to succeed in a culturally safe space.

"My hope is that the success of this event will lead to an annual conference."

All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research higher degree students are warmly invited to register and present. The Conference invitation is also extended to all supervisors of First Nations research students.

>> Guwal Jilbay will be held from July 16-18 at CQUniversity's Rockhampton North Campus. Tickets are available via this link.